We all have experienced loose motions now and then. Our body responds to any discomfort or disorder in the digestive system. Whatever be the reason, they are unpleasant and make the daily routine miserable. This article will tell you how to stop loose motion immediately.
What Is Diarrhoea?
Frequent passage of loose and watery stools across irregular intervals is called diarrhoea. It is a common condition that goes away in 2-3 days. It can affect every age group, from infants to older people. Occasional loose stools are not a cause of concern.
If a person has watery stool more than three times a day, as per studies, It can lead to water loss and electrolytes from the body. Electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, sodium are needed for normal bodily functions. So, it becomes essential to treat diarrhoea properly. Otherwise, it can be a severe problem, especially in kids, if not treated.
The treatment of diarrhoea includes medications like loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. You can also take homoeopathic medicine for diarrhoea. Though most cases are harmless, they can be treated by rehydration drinks and dietary changes. Certain home remedies for vomiting and loose motion support diarrhoea treatment.
Loose Motion Home Remedy
Many people get constipation from the medicines of loose motion. You can get rid of loose motions without medicines by following simple home remedies.
Here are some do's when having diarrhoea
- Drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, broths, or sports drinks, to replenish water loss.
- Dietary changes to avoid food take can trigger loose motions such as fatty foods, high-fibre diets, and spicy and seasoned foods.
- As per studies, the BRAT diet is recommended. It includes Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. They have low fibres and can ease digestive distress.
- You can also have easy-to-digest foods such as oatmeal. Baked potatoes and chicken soup.
- Consume probiotics to reduce or prevent loose stools and restore healthy intestinal balance.
Here are foods and drinks that should be avoided while having loose motions-
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, coffee, sodas, alcohol.
- If you are lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products.
- Avoid food that causes gas or bloating, such as legumes, beans, cabbage, and cauliflowers.
- Avoid high fats, spicy, greasy, and sugary foods with a high level of artificial sweeteners.
Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Adults
Here are home remedies for loose motion in adults-
1. Ginger
It aids in digestion, strengthens the digestive tract and decreases food stagnation. Ginger is an effective loose motion home remedy.
How to take: You can either take ginger juice or make a ginger tea by following the steps:
- Take a 2-3 inch ginger piece
- Boil a cup of water and add minced ginger to it
- Boil for 10 minutes
- You can also mix honey to it
- Take it 2-3 times a day
Or you can squeeze out ginger juice and add a pinch of salt to it. Drink once or twice a day.
2. Lemon and Coriander Water
The anti-inflammatory properties of lemon with essential oils of coriander leaves smooth the stomach and aid in liver functions.
How to take:
- Grind 4-5 coriander leaves
- Mix the paste in a glass of water
- Add 2-3 spoons of lemon juice to it
- Drink once or twice a day
3. Lemon and Mint
Mint leaves' antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties improve digestive juices. It also eases stomach pain and discomfort.
How to take:
- Crush mint leaves and extract their juice
- Mix it in a glass of water
- Add 1-2 spoons of lemon juice
- Drink twice a day
4. Carom Seed Tea
Ajwain or carom seeds aid in digestion and help with flatulence, bloating, and loose motions.
How to take:
- Boil a glass of water
- Add one spoon of carom seeds to it
- Keep it for 10 minutes
- Drink carom seed tea twice a day
- You can also take a spoon of carom seed followed by lukewarm water instead of carom seed tea
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has curcumin that helps regulate bowel movement and is anti-inflammatory.
How to take:
- Boil a glass of water
- Add turmeric powder to it
- Drink once or twice a day
6. Yoghurt/curd
Curd is an excellent probiotic that restores normal gut bacteria and digestive system functioning.
How to take:
- Consume it directly or add some honey to it. Have it 2-3 times a day.
- You can also make buttermilk by curd and have it twice a day.
7. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile eases stomach pain discomfort and prevents loose motion. It also promotes the healthy functioning of the digestive system.
How to take:
- Add chamomile tea to water and boil it for a few minutes
- Strain and let it cool
- Add honey and consume it twice a day
8. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are high in mucilage, which adds bulk to the stool and treats loose motions. It is also antibacterial and antifungal.
How to take:
- Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds for 15-20 minutes
- Grinds and make a fine paste
- Mix it in a glass of water
- Drink once a day
Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Pregnancy
Although the remedies mentioned above are also safe for pregnant women, here are some more home remedies for loose motion in Pregnancy-
1. Pomegranate
It is an excellent remedy for loose motions in pregnant women. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals to the female.
How to take:
- Either eat the fruit or extract its juice.
- You can also use pomegranate leaves. Add leaves to boiling water. Strain it and drink. Drink once a day.
2. Coconut Water
It is highly rich in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. It not only rehydrates but also provides essential amino acids to pregnant women.
How to take: A glass of fresh coconut water once or twice a day.
How to Stop Diarrhoea in Kids Fast
Anti-diarrheal medications are not recommended for children. It is best to seek medical attention. However, there are certain remedies for loose motion treatment at home.
1. Cumin Seeds
It settles bloating and relieves mild to moderate diarrhoea. It is best for infants and children above six months of age.
How to take:
- Boil a glass of water
- Add one spoon of cumin seeds to it
- Keep it for 10 minutes
- You can also mix honey to it
- Drink it after cooling, twice a day
2. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Saunf treats many digestive problems. Fennel seed broth is an excellent home remedy for loose motions in infants and children above six months.
How to take:
- Boil a glass of water
- Add one spoon of Fennel seeds to it.
- Keep it for 10 minutes.
- Drink it after cooling, twice a day
- You can also mix honey with it.
Home Remedies for Loose Motion in Infants
Loose motions in infants can be due to multiple reasons, including teething, weaning, new medications, sudden change in routine, and fever. If the infant is less than three months old and has loose stools, consult the doctor immediately. Infants above six months can be given cumin, fennel, and curds to relieve diarrhoea.
Babies with loose motion need paediatric rehydration drinks such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, and Gastrolyte. A small number of solutions should be given frequently and as per the doctor's advice. They also come in popsicles form. Also, as per studies, breastfeeding should be continued in young babies, and children should have a regular diet.
Home Remedies for Vomiting and Loose Motion
Besides the remedies mentioned above, dietary changes effectively reduce vomiting and loose motions. Here are some dietary changes and home remedies for vomiting and loose motions-
1. Take Probiotics
They have yeast and bacteria beneficial for the digestive tract. Our body loses many healthy gut bacteria with loose stool. Probiotics like yoghurt can replace them and help to restore regular bowel motions.
2. Try Fermented foods
Foods like green olives, sourdough bread, soft cheeses, cottage cheese, and kimchi. They help in correcting bowel movements.
3. Rehydration
The deficiency of fluids can be dangerous for older adults. So, please give them a homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS). Mix half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar in one-litre water. It is absorbed quickly by the intestine and rehydrates the body. You can also have sports drinks and juices that replenish sodium and potassium.
4. Dietary Changes
Take small and frequent meals to recover from diarrhoea. It should include pectin-rich foods like fruits, potassium-rich potatoes and sweet potatoes, and ample protein, cooked and soft vegetables. One can also take the BRAT diet. But it doesn't provide essential nutrients, so it should take not more than two days.
5. Intake of Potassium-rich Fruits and Vegetables
It includes bananas and potatoes helps to absorb excess water from the intestine. Banana also provides electrolytes and much-needed energy to the body. Eat a ripe banana or mashed potatoes every two hours during loose motions.
6. Add Citrus Fruits to the Diet
Lemon, gooseberries, and grapes remove toxins from the body and calm the stomach. You can have a lemon in warm water when having loose motions. However, don't take them on an empty stomach as they may cause acidity and bloat.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea
The person with diarrhoea may experience-
- Loose stools
- Dehydration
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Loss of electrolyte
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Blood or pus in the stools
Causes of Diarrhoea
Loose stools can have a range of different causes. Here are some possible causes of diarrhoea-
1. Dietary Habits
Our body faces problems digesting certain sugars, food, or drinks leading to loose stools. Mainly it occurs due to spicy food, alcohol and coffee.
2. Infections or Food Poisoning
Viruses, bacteria, or certain parasites cause inflammation in the intestine and stomach, leading to loose stools. They are accompanied by stomach pain, vomiting and nausea.
3. Chronic Digestive Tract Conditions
Conditions affecting the smooth functioning of the digestive system can cause loose motions. Such conditions are
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Celiac disease
- Bile acid malabsorption
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dumping syndrome
4. Hyperthyroidism
High thyroid hormones interfere with normal body functions and cause loose stools.
5. Other Causes Are:
- Diabetes
- Allergy to certain foods
- Medications
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery on the digestive system
- Laxative abuse
When to See a Doctor
It is recommended you see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms like loose stools, weakness, or excessive thirst. Here is a full list:
For Adults
- Loose stools for more than three days
- Bloody or black coloured stools
- Weakness
- 102 degree or more fever
- No or little urination
- Dark coloured urine
- Severe pain in the stomach
- Dry mouth
- Excess thirst
For Children and Babies Under the Age of 3 Years
- Loose stool for more than 24 hours
- No urine for more than 3 hours
- Crying without tears
- Dry mouth or tongue
- Fever
- Unusual sleepiness
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Black or bloody stools
- When pinched, skin doesn't retract
Immediately take them to a doctor. These signs can be symptoms of severe underlying conditions. Consult a doctor.
Summing Up on Loose Motion Home Remedy
Watery stools accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting are considered diarrhoea or dysentery. There are multiple causes behind it. The most common cause of loose motions is infection leading to food poisoning. In most cases, it subsides within a few days without treatment. You can follow home remedies for dysentery. If it persists for more than 3-4 days, it can indicate severe underlying disease. Consult a doctor for treatment.
References
- Catherine A Churgay, June 2012; Gastroenteritis in children: Part II. Prevention and management - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962878/
- Naila A. Shaheen, December 2018; Public knowledge of dehydration and fluid intake practices: variation by participants’ characteristics - https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-018-6252-5
- NCBI, Diarrhea - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/
- Donna Z. Bliss, Kay Savik, October 2014; Dietary Fiber Supplementation for Fecal Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4296893/
